Sony PS4 sales hit 4.2 million, 9.7 million software sales

Sony today announced at CES 2014 that it has sold 4.2 million PS4s as of 28 December 2013, confirming once again that it's taken the lead over the Xbox One.

The official numbers confirm what many have suspected based on third-party sales tracking sources, that Sony has taken the lead in the next-gen console battle. Sony's 4.2 million number tops Microsoft's own official sales of three million Xbox Ones, though clearly both consoles have sold very well.

"The momentum of the PS4 system keeps getting stronger and we couldn't be more thrilled gamers worldwide are enjoying the incredibly immersive gaming experiences along with deep social capabilities and entertainment provided by our network ," said Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

He continued: "After a remarkable launch, we look forward to bringing even more exciting content and continuing to explore the power of the PS4 system by adding new features and services, including PlayStation Now, in 2014."

So he's pleased, then, as you might imagine given how things have gone so far. Sony also confirmed 9.7 million combined software sales, though it didn't elaborate on how that divided between retail and online sales. That would be interesting to know.

Want more numbers? Sony has more numbers. Global PS Plus subscriptions have increased by more than 90% since the PS4 launch; more than 1.7 million gameplay broadcasts have been streamed online; and, according to Twitch, 20% of its broadcasters are PS4 owners.